Ideas of Dowry in the DRC (case study of Bukavu, Ibanda)
Dowry is a symbol, a collection of goods that influences a family’s consent to be united with another through marriage; and of agreement from the husband’s family in assuring the young bride’s family that she will be well taken care of. It’s compensation, an indemnification given to the wife’s family, because they are the ones deprived of the presence and activities of one of their members. For Christians, there is the expectation of a “bride price.” It may only be a local custom, wherein any marriage established without payment of a bride-price is universally considered as shameful cohabitation; as a result, there’s no chance that any Christian marriage will last long if the bride price isn’t paid. The “bride price” is a widespread institution in Africa. It’s a highly patriarchal practice, but it’s still common nowadays, influenced by the spirit of greed that is corrupting and ruining even the most rooted of practices.

TRANSLATION:
Dowry is a symbol, a collection of goods that influences a family’s consent to be united with another through marriage; and of agreement from the husband’s family in assuring the young bride’s family that she will be well taken care of. It’s compensation, an indemnification given to the wife’s family, because they are the ones deprived of the presence and activities of one of their members. For Christians, there is the expectation of a “bride price.” It may only be a local custom, wherein any marriage established without payment of a bride-price is universally considered as shameful cohabitation; as a result, there’s no chance that any Christian marriage will last long if the bride price isn’t paid. The “bride price” is a widespread institution in Africa. It’s a highly patriarchal practice, but it’s still common nowadays, influenced by the spirit of greed that is corrupting and ruining even the most rooted of practices.